ONEONTA, N.Y. - Jenna Mierek (Prospect, Conn.) and Nicasia Santos (Flemington, N.J.) were honored on Senior Day by the women's soccer team for their four years of dedication to the team, with the Hawks tying the Houghton Highlanders 0-0 in the game that followed.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Houghton 0 Hartwick 0

• Location: Oneonta, N.Y. | Elmore Field

• Records: Houghton (8-3-2, 2-3-1 Empire 8) Hartwick (6-2-5, 3-1-3 Empire 8)
   

BY THE NUMBERS

• It was a scoreless day for both teams, despite the Hawks holding an 11-6 edge over the Houghton University Highlanders in shots.

• Mikayla Piersa (Huntington, N.Y.) was stellar in goal, surpassing 50 career saves with the 4 she tallied from today's game. Houghton's goalkeeper would snag 5 saves of her own.

• Hartwick would have 5 corner kick opportunities compared to Houghton's 3, though neither team could capitalize.

• Millie Caldon (Gilmanton, N.H.) and Ella Grupe (Freehold, N.Y.) would lead the offensive charge, combining for all 5 of the Hawks' shots on goal.

HOW IT HAPPENED

It was a special day on Oyaron Hill, with the Hawks celebrating their two seniors, Jenna Mierek and Nicasia Santos, in a special pre-game ceremony before kickoff. Mierek has shown her leadership on and off the field, having been named as a team captain for her dedication and commitment alongside Santos last spring. As a starter in fifty-six games, she has tallied four career goals and eight assists during her time with the Hawks thus far. Last season, she led the team in points with one goal and six assists. She has also achieved Empire 8 All-Conference recognition in 2023, and was named to the Mayor's Cup All-Tournament Team this season. 

Nicasia Santos appeared in 42 games for the Hawks, posting three goals and one assist. She would notably help create the game-winning goal against Marywood in the 2024 Mayor's Cup Tournament, while tacking on an assist against SUNY Poly. Despite being out this year due to an injury, her hard work and drive has been invaluable to the team's success. Santos would also take the ceremonial kickoff for her team prior to the game's start.

Alongside the seniors, the women's soccer program would also honor a special member, 10-year old Adelin Newkirk from Oneonta, N.Y., who joined the program two years ago from Team IMPACT and has since become a good-luck charm and source of inspiration for the team. Team IMPACT is a national non-profit charity that pairs children facing illness or disability with college teams to create life-changing memories and experiences for all involved, and the women's soccer team was proud to honor Adelin for her support and courage.

As the game officially kicked off, it became clear that both teams were hungry for a win, with both teams taking one shot each in the first twelve minutes. Repeated corner kicks and a shot from Houghton in the 22nd minute would give them several scoring opportunities, but the Hawks' defense was impenetrable as Piersa would snag her 50th career save. The Hawks would come incredibly close to a goal in the first half, as Grupe would send a shot bottom center into the gloves of the goalkeeper and Caldon would try for a high shot that ended up ricocheting off the top bar of the goal.

With the teams locked at 0-0, 'Wick would turn up the intensity with Grupe and Caldon leading the charge in the second half while Piersa and the defense held down the back end. Both teams fought for possession the remainder of the game, with Caldon attempting a final shot for the Royal Blue and White in the final few seconds, though Houghton would give the Hawks nothing. Despite not getting a goal on the board, the Hawks would snag a 0-0 tie for their seniors on a special Senior Day.

COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH BRIAN KNAPP

"I'm so proud of the effort the group put in today. The mindset of this team is so strong and seeing them disappointed with the result shows how focused they are. They worked for each other and didn't stop until the final whistle, coming incredibly close a few times. Sometimes the game can be cruel and the slimmest margins can be the difference between a hard-fought draw and getting all three points. The team should be proud of themselves and I think they fully showed that they were going to do whatever they could for our seniors today. The seniors have helped us raise the standard and we can't thank them enough for everything they've given to the program over the last 4 years."

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will hit the road to take on conference rival Utica University on Wednesday, October 15th, with kickoff slated for 6PM.

About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.